7-Alkylidene-3-substituted-3-cephem-4-carboxylates as beta-lactamase inhibitors

ABSTRACT

The invention provides compounds of formula (I):  
                 
 
     wherein: R 1 -R 4  and A have any of the values defined in the specification, and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, are useful for inhibiting β-lactamase enzymes, for enhancing the activity of β-lactam antibiotics, and for treating β-lactam resistant bacterial infections in a mammal. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions, processes for preparing compounds of formula (I), and intermediates useful for the synthesis of compounds of formula (I).

PRIORITY OF INVENTION

[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) from U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/307,403, filed Jul. 24, 2001, which application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The most important mechanism of microbial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics is the bacterial production of β-lactamases, enzymes which hydrolytically destroy β-lactam antibiotics, such as penicillins and cephalosporins. This type of resistance can be transferred horizontally by plasmids that are capable of rapidly spreading the resistance, not only to other members of the same strain, but even to other species. Due to such rapid gene transfer, a patient can become infected with different organisms, each possessing the same β-lactamase.

[0003] β-lactamase enzymes have been organized into four molecular classes: A, B, C, and D based on amino acid sequence. Class A, which includes RTEM and the β-lactamase of Staphylococcus aureus, class C, which includes the lactamase derived from P-99 Enterobacter cloacae, and class D are serine hydrolases. Class A enzymes have a molecular weight of about 29 kDa and preferentially hydrolyze penicillins. The class B lactamases are metalloenzymes and have a broader substrate profile than the proteins in the other classes. Class C enzymes include the chromosomal cephalosporinases of Gram-negative bacteria and have molecular weights of approximately 39 kDa. The recently recognized class D enzymes exhibit a unique substrate profile which differs significantly from both class A and class C.

[0004] The class C cephalosporinases, in particular, are responsible for the resistance of gram negative bacteria to a variety of both traditional and newly designed antibiotics. The Enterobacter species, which possesses a class C enzyme, is now the third greatest cause of nosocomial infections in the United States. This class of enzymes often has poor affinities for inhibitors of the class A enzymes, such as clavulanic acid, a commonly prescribed inhibitor, and to common in vitro inactivators, such as 6-β-iodopenicillanate.

[0005] One strategy for overcoming this rapidly evolving bacterial resistance is the synthesis and administration of β-lactamase inhibitors. Frequently, β-lactamase inhibitors do not possess antibiotic activity themselves and are thus administered together with an antibiotic. One example of such a synergistic mixture is the product sold under the trademark AUGMENTIN (amoxicillin, clavulanate potassium), which contains the antibiotic amoxicillin and the β-lactamase inhibitor, clavulanate potassium.

[0006] There is a continued need for novel β-lactamase inhibitors, and in particular, for β-lactamase inhibitors that can be coadministered with a β-lactam antibiotic.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention also provides a compound of formula (I):

[0008] wherein:

[0009] R₁ and R₂ are each independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyloxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, heterocycle, halo, cyano, nitro, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(f)R_(g), or —S(O)_(n)R_(h);

[0010] R₃ is hydrogen, halo, aryl, heteroaryl, —S(O)_(n)R_(h), or —CH═CHC(═O)NR_(m)R_(p);

[0011] R₄ is hydrogen;

[0012] A is thio, sulfinyl, or sulfonyl;

[0013] each n is independently 0, 1, or 2;

[0014] each R_(e) is independently hydrogen, or (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl;

[0015] each R_(f)and R_(g) is independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, or —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g) wherein R_(f) and R_(g) form a ring optionally containing a nitrogen atom in the ring —NF_(e)—;

[0016] each R_(h) is independently (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, or aryl; and

[0017] R_(m) is hydrogen, and R_(p) is NH₂, OH, (C₂-C₁₀)cycloalkyl, or —(C₂-C₁₀)alkyl-NH₂; or R_(m) and R_(p) together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a piperidine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, pyrrolidine, or piperazine ring, wherein the piperazine is substituted at the 4-position with hydrogen or a (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl;

[0018] wherein any (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyloxy, or (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl of R₁ or R₂ is optionally substituted with one or more, substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, cyanato, nitro, mercapto, oxo, aryl, heterocycle, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, halo(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, heterocycle(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, aryloxy, (heterocycle)oxy, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g),—NR_(h)R_(i), or —S(O)_(n)R_(k); and

[0019] wherein any aryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, (C₁-C₆)alkoxycarbonyl, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(h)R_(i), or —S(O)_(n)R_(k); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0020] The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier, as well as such a pharmaceutical composition that further comprises a β-lactam antibiotic.

[0021] The invention also provides a method comprising inhibiting a β-lactamase by contacting (in vitro or in vivo) the β-lactamase with an effective amount of a compound of formula (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0022] The invention also provides a therapeutic method comprising inhibiting a β-lactamase in a mammal in need of such therapy, by administering an effective inhibitory amount of a compound of formula (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0023] The invention also provides a method comprising enhancing the activity of a β-lactam antibiotic, by administering the β-lactam antibiotic to a mammal in need thereof, in combination with an effective β-lactamase inhibiting amount of a compound of formula (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0024] The invention also provides a method comprising treating a β-lactam resistant bacterial infection in a mammal, by administering an effective amount of a β-lactam antibiotic in combination with an effective β-lactamase inhibiting amount of a compound of formula (I); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0025] The invention also provides a compound of formula (I) for use in medical therapy (preferably for use in inhibiting a β-lactamase in a mammal, or for treating a β-lactam resistant bacterial infection in a mammal), as well as the use of a compound of formula (I) for the manufacture of a medicament useful for inhibiting a β-lactamase in a human.

[0026] The invention also provides processes and intermediates disclosed herein that are useful for preparing β-lactamase inhibitors of formula (I).

[0027] Compounds of formula (I) are useful as β-lactamase inhibitors for therapeutic applications. They are also useful as pharmacological tools for in vitro or in vivo studies to investigate the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, to help identify other therapeutic antibiotic agents or β-lactamase inhibitors, to identify which β-lactamases are being expressed by a given microorganism, or to selectively inhibit one or more β-lactamases in a microorganism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0028] FIGS. 1-6 illustrate the preparation of representative compounds of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The following definitions are used, unless otherwise described: halo is fluoro, chloro, bromo, or iodo. Alkyl, alkoxy, alkenyl, and the like, denote both straight and branched groups. Aryl denote a phenyl radical, or an ortho-fused bicyclic carbocyclic radical having about nine to ten ring atoms in which at least one ring is aromatic. Heterocycle denotes a 6-10 membered unsaturated or saturated mono-, bi-, or tri-cyclic ring system comprising carbon and 1, 2, 3, or 4 heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of non-peroxide oxygen, sulfur, and N(X) wherein each X is absent or is H, O, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, phenyl or benzyl. The term “heterocycle” includes “Heteroaryl,” which denotes a radical attached via a ring carbon of a monocyclic aromatic ring containing five or six ring atoms consisting of carbon and one to four heteroatoms each selected from the group consisting of non-peroxide oxygen, sulfur, and N(X) wherein each X is absent or is H, O, (C₁-C₄)alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, as well as a radical of an ortho-fused bicyclic heterocycle of about eight to ten ring atoms derived therefrom, particularly a benz-derivative or one derived by fusing a propylene, trimethylene, or tetramethylene diradical thereto. A preferred heteroaryl is, for example, a pyridyl radical.

[0030] The term “enhancing” the activity of a β-lactam antibiotic means improving or increasing the antibiotic activity of the compared in a statistically measurable and significant manner with respect to the activity demonstrated by the compound in the absence of a compound of the invention.

[0031] The letters “BH” or “bhl” represent a benzhydryl ester.

[0032] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that compounds of the invention having a chiral center may exist in and be isolated in optically active and racemic forms. Some compounds may exhibit polymorphism. It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses any racemic, optically-active, polymorphic, or stereoisomeric form, or mixtures thereof, of a compound of the invention, which possess the useful properties described herein, it being well known in the art how to prepare optically active forms (for example, by resolution of the racemic form by recrystallization techniques, by synthesis from optically-active starting materials, by chiral synthesis, or by chromatographic separation using a chiral stationary phase) and how to determine β-lactamase inhibitory activity using the standard tests described herein, or using other similar tests which are well known in the art.

[0033] Specific values listed below for radicals, substituents and ranges, are for illustration only; they do not exclude other defined values or other values within defined ranges for the radicals and substituents.

[0034] Specifically, (C₁-C₆)alkyl can be methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, pentyl, 3-pentyl, or hexyl; (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl can be methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, iso-butyl, sec-butyl, pentyl, 3-pentyl, hexyl, heptyl, octyl, nonyl, or decyl; (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl can be cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl, or cyclooctyl; (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy can be methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy, pentoxy, 3-pentoxy, hexyloxy, heptyloxy, octyloxy, nonyloxy or decyloxy; (C₁-C₆)alkoxy can be methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, butoxy, iso-butoxy, sec-butoxy, pentoxy, 3-pentoxy, or hexyloxy; (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl can be vinyl, 1-propenyl, 2-propenyl, 1-butenyl, 2-butenyl, 3-butenyl, 1-pentenyl, 2-pentenyl, 3-pentenyl, 4-pentenyl, 1-hexenyl, 2-hexenyl, 3-hexenyl, 4-hexenyl, 5-hexenyl, 1-heptenyl, 2-heptenyl, 3-heptenyl, 4-heptenyl, 5-heptenyl, 6-heptenyl, 1-octenyl, 2-octenyl, 3-octenyl, 4-octenyl, 5-octenyl, 6-octenyl, 7-octenyl, 1-nonenyl, 2-nonenyl, 3-nonenyl, 4-nonenyl, 5-nonenyl, 6-nonenyl, 7-nonenyl, 8-nonenyl, 1-decenyl, 2-decenyl, 3-decenyl, 4-decenyl, 5-decenyl, 6-decenyl, 7-decenyl, 8-decenyl, or 9-decenyl; (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl can be ethynyl, 1-propynyl, 2-propynyl, 1-butynyl, 2-butynyl, 3-butynyl, 1-pentynyl, 2-pentynyl, 3-pentynyl, 4-pentynyl, 1-hexynyl, 2-hexynyl, 3-hexynyl, 4-hexynyl, 5-hexynyl, 1-heptynyl, 2-heptynyl, 3-heptynyl, 4-heptynyl, 5-heptynyl, 6-heptynyl, 1-octynyl, 2-octynyl, 3-octynyl, 4-octynyl, 5-octynyl, 6-octynyl, 7-octynyl, 1-nonynyl, 2-nonynyl, 3-nonynyl, 4-nonynyl, 5-nonynyl, 6-nonynyl, 7-nonynyl, 8-nonynyl, 1-decynyl, 2-decynyl, 3-decynyl, 4-decynyl, 5-decynyl, 6-decynyl, 7-decynyl, 8-decynyl, or 9-decynyl; (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl can be acetyl, propanoyl, butanoyl, pentanoyl, hexanoyl, heptanoyl, octanoyl, nonanoyl, or decanoyl; (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl can be methoxycarbonyl, ethoxycarbonyl, propoxycarbonyl, isopropoxycarbonyl, butoxycarbonyl, pentoxycarbonyl, hexyloxycarbonyl, heptyloxycarbonyl, octyloxycarbonyl, nonyloxycarbonyl or decyloxycarbonyl; (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyloxy can be formyloxy, acetoxy, propanoyloxy, butanoyloxy, isobutanoyloxy, pentanoyloxy, hexanoyloxy, heptanoyloxy, octanoyloxy, nonanoyloxy, or decanoyloxy; aryl can be phenyl, indenyl, or naphthyl; heterocycle can benztriazolyl, triazinyl, oxazoyl, isoxazolyl, oxazolidinoyl, isoxazolidinoyl, thiazolyl, isothiazoyl, pyrazolyl, imidazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridinyl, morpholinyl, quinolinyl, isoquinolinyl, indolyl, pyrimidinyl, piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl, morpholinyl, thiomorpholinyl, or piperazinyl; and heteroaryl can be, for example, furyl, imidazolyl, triazolyl, triazinyl, oxazoyl, isoxazoyl, thiazolyl, isothiazoyl, pyrazolyl, pyrrolyl, pyrazinyl, tetrazolyl, 1-methyl-1H-tetrazol-5-yl, pyridyl, (or its N-oxide), thienyl, pyrimidinyl (or its N-oxide), indolyl, isoquinolyl (or its N-oxide) or quinolyl (or its N-oxide).

[0035] In one embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula (I):

[0036] wherein:

[0037] R₁ and R₂ are each independently hydrogen, (C₁₀-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyloxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycle, halo, cyano, nitro, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(f)R_(g), or —S(O)_(n)R_(h);

[0038] R₃ is hydrogen, halo, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycle, —Sn(R₅)₃, —SAr, —S(O)_(n)Ar, —S(O)_(n)R_(h), —S(O)_(n)NH₂, —S(O)_(n)NHR_(f), —S(O)_(n)NR_(f)R_(g), —COOR_(m), —C(═O)—R_(h), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —CH═NOR_(i), —CH═CR_(j)R_(k), or cyano;

[0039] R₄ is hydrogen, aryl, heterocycle, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, benzyl, phenethyl, -diaryl substituted(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, such as —CHAr₂ or —CHPh₂;

[0040] each R₅ is independently —(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl;

[0041] A is thio, sulfinyl, or sulfonyl;

[0042] each n is independently 0, 1, or 2;

[0043] each R_(e) is independently hydrogen, or (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl;

[0044] each R_(f) and R_(g) is independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, or —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g) wherein R_(f) and R_(g) form a ring optionally containing a nitrogen atom in the ring —NR_(e)—;

[0045] each R_(h) is independently (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, phenyl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, heteroaryl, heterocycle, or heterocycle(C₁-C₆)alkyl;

[0046] R_(i) is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl; and

[0047] R_(j) and R_(k) are each independently hydrogen, halo, cyano, nitro, aryl, heterocycle, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(f)R_(g), or —S(O)_(n)R_(h);

[0048] R_(m) is —H, —Na, —K, —Li, and like pharmaceutically acceptable salts, —(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, —(C₁-C₁₀)cycloalkyl, benzyl, phenethyl, -diaryl substituted(C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, such as —CHAr₂ or —CHPh₂;

[0049] wherein any (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyloxy, or (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl of R₁, R₂, R₅, R_(j) and R_(k) is optionally substituted with one or more, substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, cyanato, nitro, mercapto, oxo, aryl, heterocycle, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, halo(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, heterocycle(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, aryloxy, (heterocycle)oxy, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —NR_(h)R_(i), or —S(O)_(n)R_(k); and

[0050] wherein any aryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, (C₁-C₆)alkoxycarbonyl, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(h)R_(i), or —S(O)_(n)R_(k)or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0051] Specifically, A is sulfonyl (—SO₂—).

[0052] Specifically, R₁ is aryl, heterocycle, or —COOR_(e).

[0053] Specifically, R₁ is 2-pyridyl, or —COOR_(e).

[0054] Specifically, R₂ is hydrogen.

[0055] Specifically, R₃ is hydrogen, halo, aryl, heterocycle, —Sn(R₅)₃, —SAr, —S(O)_(n)Ar, —S(O)_(n)R_(h), —S(O)_(n)NH₂, —S(O)_(n)NHR_(f), —S(O)_(n)NR_(f)R_(g), —COOR_(m), —C(═O)—R_(h), or —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g).

[0056] Specifically, R₃ is hydrogen, aryl, heterocycle, —Sn(R₅)₃, —SAr, —S(O)_(n)Ar, —S(O)_(n)R_(h), —S(O)_(n)NH₂, —S(O)_(n)NHR_(f), or —S(O)_(n)NR_(f)R_(g).

[0057] Specifically, R_(j) and R_(k) are each independently hydrogen, cyano, —COOR_(e), (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or heteroaryl.

[0058] A specific compound of formula (I) is a compound of wherein: R₁ and R₂ are each independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyloxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycle, halo, cyano, nitro, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(f)R_(g), or —S(O)_(n)R_(h); R₃ is independently hydrogen, fluoro, —SPh, —SO₂Ar, —Sn(CH₃)₃, or —CH═CH—CO₂H; R₄ is independently hydrogen, phenyl, heterocycle, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, benzyl, phenethyl, or —CHPh₂; A is thio, sulfinyl, or sulfonyl; each n is independently 0, 1, or 2; each R_(e) is independently hydrogen, or (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl; each R_(f) and R_(g) is independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, or —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g)wherein R_(f) and R_(g) form a ring optionally containing a nitrogen atom in the ring —NR_(e)—; each R_(h) is independently (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, phenyl, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkyl, heterocycle, or heterocycle(C₁-C₆)alkyl; R₁is hydrogen or (C₁-C₆)alkyl; and R_(j) and R_(k) are each independently hydrogen, halo, cyano, nitro, aryl, heterocycle, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(f)R_(g), or —S(O)_(n)R_(h); wherein any (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyloxy, or (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl of R₁, R₂, R_(j) and R_(k) is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, cyanato, nitro, mercapto, oxo, aryl, heterocycle, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, halo(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, heterocycle(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, aryloxy, (heterocycle)oxy, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(h)R_(i), or —S(O)_(n)R_(k); and wherein any aryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, (C₁-C₆)alkoxycarbonyl, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(h)R_(i), or —S(O)_(n)R_(k); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0059] Another specific compound is a compound wherein one of R_(j) and R_(k) is hydrogen and the other is cyano, —COOR_(e), (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, or heteroaryl.

[0060] Another specific compound is a compound wherein R_(j) is hydrogen or halo, and R_(k) is cyano, methoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, tert-butoxycarbonyl, 2-pyridyl-N-oxide, nitro, or vinyl.

[0061] Another specific compound is a compound wherein A is sulfonyl; R₁ is 2-pyridyl, carboxy or tert-butoxy carbonyl; R₂ is hydrogen; R₃ is hydrogen, fluoro, —SPh, —SO₂Ph, —Sn(R₅)₃, or —CH═CH—CO₂H; and R₄ is hydrogen, —CHAr₂, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.

[0062] More specifically, R_(j) and R_(k) are each independently hydrogen, cyano, 2-(methoxycarbonyl), 2-pyridyl-N-oxide, or vinyl.

[0063] Another specific compound is a compound of formula (I) wherein A is sulfonyl (—SO₂—); R₁ is 2-pyridyl, carboxy or tert-butoxycarbonyl; R₂ is hydrogen; and R₃ is hydrogen, halo such as fluoro, —SAr such as —SPh, —Sn(R₅)₃, cyano, —S(O)_(n)Ar; —CH═NOR_(i), or —CH═CR_(j)R_(k); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

[0064] A more specific compound of formula (I) is a pharmaceutically acceptable salt formed from a carboxylic acid of formula (I) wherein R₄ is hydrogen. Most preferred is a salt wherein R₄ been replaced with a sodium or potassium ion. The term pharmaceutically acceptable salts also includes poly salts (e.g. di- or tri-salts) of a compound of formula (I).

[0065] Processes and novel intermediates useful for preparing compounds of formula (I) are provided as further embodiments of the invention and are illustrated by the following procedures in which the meanings of the generic radicals are as given above unless otherwise qualified.

[0066] Representative compounds were prepared as indicated in FIGS. 1 to 6. Commercially available 3-hydroxy-3-cephem 1 was converted to halides 3 a, 3 b, and 3 c by employing the method of Farina (Farina et. al., J. Org. Chem. 54, 4962-4966 (1989)). The phenylacetyl group was removed upon treatment with PCl₅ to produce free amines 4 a, 4 b, and 4 c respectively. These were converted to the corresponding 7-oxo-3-cephems and subsequently to the 7-(2′-pyridylmethylidene)-3-cephems 5 a, 5 b, and 5 c. These were readily oxidized to the corresponding sulfones upon treatment with excess mCPBA and the 4-position carboxylate deprotected by treatment with TFA (followed by neutralization with bicarbonate) to produce the corresponding sodium salts 7 a, 7 b, and 7 e.

[0067] Iodide 6 c was also useful in producing other C3 substituted analogs through Stille Coupling reactions with selected organostannanes as shown in FIG. 2. Such reactions resulted in the production of representative C3-sulfides, aryl, and heteroaryl compounds which were also deprotected as shown in FIG. 2. The C3 sufides 8 a and 8 b could also be oxidized to the corresponding C3 sulfonyl compounds and deprotected to produce the corresponding sodium salts as shown in FIG. 3.

[0068] Additionally, compound 6 c was converted to the C3 stannylated analog as shown in FIG. 4. This compound was utilized to generate the C3 fluorinated (14 a) and C3 unsubstituted (14 b) compounds as shown.

[0069] Using procedures similar to those described herein, as well as standard synthetic techniques, the compounds of formula (I) can be prepared.

[0070] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of compounds of formula (I) wherein R₄ has been replaced with a pharmaceutically acceptable cation (e.g. a sodium or potassium ion) can conveniently be prepared from a corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein R₄ is hydrogen, by reaction with a suitable base.

[0071] A useful intermediate for preparing a compound of formula (I), wherein R₄ is hydrogen, is a corresponding compound wherein R₄ has been replaced with a suitable removable carboxy protecting group. Such protecting groups are well known in the art, for example, see Greene, T. W.; Wutz, P. G. M. “Protecting Groups In Organic Synthesis” second edition, 1991, New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Preferred protecting groups include (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, aryl, benzyl, or benzhydryl. Thus the invention provides compounds of formula (I) wherein R₁, R₂, and R₃ have any of the values, specific values, or preferred values defined herein, and wherein R₄ is (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, aryl, benzyl, and benzhydryl.

[0072] Another useful intermediate for preparing a compound of formula (I), is a compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is a tin containing group, e.g., a group of formula —Sn(R)₃ wherein each R is (C₁-C₆)alkyl. Accordingly, the invention also provides a compound of formula (I) wherein R₁, R₂, and R₄ have any of the values described herein, and wherein R₃ is —Sn(R)₃ wherein each R is (C₁-C₆)alkyl.

[0073] A compound of formula (I) wherein A is sulfonyl (—SO₂—) can be prepared by oxidation of a corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein A is thio (—S—), for example, by using meta-chloroperbenzoic acid (mCPBA).

[0074] A compound of formula (I) wherein A is sulfinyl (—SO—) can be prepared by oxidation of a corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein A is thio (—S—), using one equivalent of an acceptable oxidizing agent, for example, mCPBA. A compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is hydrogen, aryl, heteroaryl, or —SR_(h), can be prepared by combining a corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is halo, with an organostannane of formula (R_(a))₃Sn—R₃ and a catalyst, to provide the compound of formula (I). Accordingly, the invention also provides a method of preparing a compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is hydrogen, aryl, heteroaryl, or —SR_(h), and R₄ is hydrogen; comprising: combining a corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is halo and R₄ is a protecting group, with an organostannane of formula (R_(a))₃Sn—R₃ and a catalyst, to provide a compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is hydrogen, aryl, heteroaryl, or —SR_(h,); and R₄ is a protecting group, and removing the protecting group R₄ to provide the compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is hydrogen, aryl, heteroaryl, or —SR_(h), and R₄ is hydrogen. In one embodiment, the catalyst comprises palladium (e.g. Pd₂(dba)₂). In another embodiment R_(a) is methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl.

[0075] The invention also provides a method of preparing a compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is aryl, heteroaryl, or —CH═CHC(═O)NR_(m)R_(p), and R₄ is hydrogen; comprising: combining a corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is —Sn(R)₃, each R is (C₁-C₆)alkyl, and R₄ is a protecting group, with the requsite organohalide or organotriflate (e.g. a compound of formula R₃—X wherein X is a halogen ot triflate) and a catalyst, to provide a compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is aryl, heteroaryl, or —CH═CHC(═O)NR_(m)R_(p); and R₄ is a protecting group, and removing the protecting group R₄ to provide the compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is aryl, heteroaryl, or —CH═CHC(═O)NR_(m)R_(p), and R₄ is hydrogen. In one embodiment, each R is methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl.

[0076] The invention also provides a method of preparing a compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is H or F, and R₄ is hydrogen; comprising: combining a corresponding compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is —Sn(R)₃, each R is (C₁-C₆)alkyl, and R₄ is a protecting group, with AgOTf and XeF₂ to provide a compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is H or F; and R₄ is a protecting group, and removing the protecting group R₄ to provide the compound of formula (I) wherein R₃ is is H or F, and R₄ is hydrogen. In one embodiment, each R is methyl, ethyl, propyl, or butyl.

[0077] Many of the starting materials employed in the synthetic methods described above are commercially available or are reported in the scientific literature. It may be desirable to optionally use a protecting group during all or portions of the above described synthetic procedures. Such protecting groups and methods for their introduction and removal are well known in the art. See Greene, T. W.; Wutz, P. G. M. “Protecting Groups In Organic Synthesis” second edition, 1991, New York, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

[0078] In cases where compounds are sufficiently basic or acidic to form stable nontoxic acid or base salts, administration of the compounds as salts may be appropriate. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable salts are organic acid addition salts formed with acids which form a physiological acceptable anion, for example, tosylate, methanesulfonate, acetate, citrate, malonate, tartarate, succinate, benzoate, ascorbate, α-ketoglutarate, and α-glycerophosphate. Suitable inorganic salts may also be formed, including hydrochloride, sulfate, nitrate, bicarbonate, and carbonate salts.

[0079] Pharmaceutically acceptable salts may be obtained using standard procedures well known in the art, for example, by reacting a sufficiently basic compound such as an amine with a suitable acid affording a physiologically acceptable anion. Alkali metal (for example, sodium, potassium or lithium) or alkaline earth metal (for example, calcium) salts of carboxylic acids can also be made.

[0080] The compounds of formula (I) can be formulated as pharmaceutical compositions and administered to a mammalian host, such as a human patient in a variety of forms adapted to a selected route of administration, i.e., by oral, parenteral, intravenous, intramuscular, topical, or subcutaneous routes.

[0081] Thus, the present compounds may be systemically administered, e.g., orally, in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle such as an inert diluent or an assimilable edible carrier. They may be enclosed in hard or soft shell gelatin capsules, may be compressed into tablets, or may be incorporated directly with the food of the patient's diet. For oral therapeutic administration, the active compound may be combined with one or more excipients and used in the form of ingestible tablets, buccal tablets, troches, capsules, elixirs, suspensions, syrups, wafers, and the like. Such compositions and preparations should contain at least 0.1% of active compound. The percentage of the compositions and preparations may, of course, be varied and may conveniently be between about 2 to about 60% of the weight of a given unit dosage form. The amount of active compound in such therapeutically useful compositions is such that an effective dosage level will be obtained.

[0082] The tablets, troches, pills, capsules, and the like may also contain the following: binders such as gum tragacanth, acacia, corn starch or gelatin; excipients such as dicalcium phosphate; a disintegrating agent such as corn starch, potato starch, alginic acid and the like; a lubricant such as magnesium stearate; and a sweetening agent such as sucrose, fructose, lactose or aspartame or a flavoring agent such as peppermint, oil of wintergreen, or cherry flavoring may be added. When the unit dosage form is a capsule, it may contain, in addition to materials of the above type, a liquid carrier, such as a vegetable oil or a polyethylene glycol. Various other materials may be present as coatings or to otherwise modify the physical form of the solid unit dosage form. For instance, tablets, pills, or capsules may be coated with gelatin, wax, shellac or sugar and the like. A syrup or elixir may contain the active compound, sucrose or fructose as a sweetening agent, methyl and propylparabens as preservatives, a dye and flavoring such as cherry or orange flavor. Of course, any material used in preparing any unit dosage form should be pharmaceutically acceptable and substantially non-toxic in the amounts employed. In addition, the active compound may be incorporated into sustained-release preparations and devices.

[0083] The active compound may also be administered intravenously or intraperitoneally by infusion or injection. Solutions of the active compound or its salts can be prepared in water, optionally mixed with a nontoxic surfactant. Dispersions can also be prepared in glycerol, liquid polyethylene glycols, triacetin, and mixtures thereof and in oils. Under ordinary conditions of storage and use, these preparations contain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

[0084] The pharmaceutical dosage forms suitable for injection or infusion can include sterile aqueous solutions or dispersions or sterile powders comprising the active ingredient which are adapted for the extemporaneous preparation of sterile injectable or infusible solutions or dispersions, optionally encapsulated in liposomes. In all cases, the ultimate dosage form should be sterile, fluid and stable under the conditions of manufacture and storage. The liquid carrier or vehicle can be a solvent or liquid dispersion medium comprising, for example, water, ethanol, a polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycols, and the like), vegetable oils, nontoxic glyceryl esters, and suitable mixtures thereof. The proper fluidity can be maintained, for example, by the formation of liposomes, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions or by the use of surfactants. The prevention of the action of microorganisms can be brought about by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, sorbic acid, thimerosal, and the like. In many cases, it will be preferable to include isotonic agents, for example, sugars, buffers or sodium chloride. Prolonged absorption of the injectable compositions can be brought about by the use in the compositions of agents delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

[0085] Sterile injectable solutions are prepared by incorporating the active compound in the required amount in the appropriate solvent with various of the other ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filter sterilization. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and the freeze drying techniques, which yield a powder of the active ingredient plus any additional desired ingredient present in the previously sterile-filtered solutions.

[0086] For topical administration, the present compounds may be applied in pure form, i.e., when they are liquids. However, it will generally be desirable to administer them to the skin as compositions or formulations, in combination with a dermatologically acceptable carrier, which may be a solid or a liquid.

[0087] Useful solid carriers include finely divided solids such as talc, clay, microcrystalline cellulose, silica, alumina and the like. Useful liquid carriers include water, alcohols or glycols or water-alcohol/glycol blends, in which the present compounds can be dissolved or dispersed at effective levels, optionally with the aid of non-toxic surfactants. Adjuvants such as fragrances and additional antimicrobial agents can be added to optimize the properties for a given use. The resultant liquid compositions can be applied from absorbent pads, used to impregnate bandages and other dressings, or sprayed onto the affected area using pump-type or aerosol sprayers.

[0088] Thickeners such as synthetic polymers, fatty acids, fatty acid salts and esters, fatty alcohols, modified celluloses or modified mineral materials can also be employed with liquid carriers to form spreadable pastes, gels, ointments, soaps, and the like, for application directly to the skin of the user.

[0089] Examples of useful dermatological compositions which can be used to deliver the compounds of the invention to the skin are disclosed in Jacquet et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,392), Geria (U.S. Pat. No. 4,992,478), Smith et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 4,559,157) and Wortzman (U.S. Pat. No. 4,820,508).

[0090] The present compositions may also be prepared in suitable forms for absorption through the mucous membranes of the nose and throat or bronchial tissues and may conveniently take the form of powder or liquid sprays or inhalants, lozenges, throat paints, etc. For medication of the eyes or ears, the preparations may be presented as individual capsules, in liquid or semi-solid form, or may be used as drops, etc. Topical applications may be formulated in hydrophobic or hydrophilic bases as ointments, creams, lotions, paints, powders, etc.

[0091] For veterinary medicine, the composition may, for example, be formulated as an intramammary preparation in either long acting or quick-release bases.

[0092] Useful dosages of the compounds of the invention can be determined by comparing their in vitro activity, and in vivo activity in animal models. Methods for the extrapolation of effective dosages in mice, and other animals, to humans are known to the art; for example, see U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,949.

[0093] Generally, the concentration of the compound(s) of the invention in a liquid composition, such as a lotion, will be from about 0.1-25 wt-%, preferably from about 0.5-10 wt-%. The concentration in a semi-solid or solid composition such as a gel or a powder will be about 0.1-5 wt-%, preferably about 0.5-2.5 wt-%.

[0094] The compositions per unit dosage, whether liquid or solid may contain from 0.1% to 99% of active material (the present 7-vinylidene cephalosporins and optional antibiotic), the preferred range being from about 10-60%. The composition will generally contain from about 15 mg to about 1500 mg by weight of active ingredient based upon the total weight of the composition; however, in general, it is preferable to employ a dosage amount in the range of from about 250 mg to 1000 mg. In parenteral administration the unit dosage is usually the pure compound in a slightly acidified sterile water solution or in the form of a soluble powder intended for solution. Single dosages for injection, infusion or ingestion may be administered, i.e., 1-3 times daily, to yield levels of about 0.5-50 mg/kg, for adults.

[0095] The invention provides a pharmaceutical composition, comprising an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) as described hereinabove; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of a compound of formula (I) as described hereinabove; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; a β-lactam antibiotic; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The present compositions are preferably presented in a form suitable for absorption by the gastro-intestinal tract.

[0096] Any β-lactam antibiotic is suitable for use in the pharmaceutical composition of the invention. β-lactam antibiotics which are well known in the art include those disclosed by R. B. Morin and M. Gorin, M.Eds.; Academic Press, New York, 1982; vol. 1-3. Preferred β-lactam antibiotics, suitable for use in the pharmaceutical composition of the invention, include β-lactam antibiotics which are preferentially deactivated by Class A and Class C β-lactamase enzymes, for example, amoxicillin, piperacillin, ampicillin, ceftizoxime, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, cephalexin, cefaclor, cephaloridine, and ceftazidime.

[0097] The ability of a compound of the invention to function as β-lactamase inhibitor can be demonstrated using the test described below, or using other tests which are well known in the art. Representative compounds of formula (I) were evaluated as inhibitors of the Class C β-lactamase of Enterobacter cloacae P-99, a cephalosporinase, and TEM-1, a Class A penicillinase, by relative IC₅₀ analysis. The IC₅₀ value represents the concentration of inhibitor required to effect a 50% loss of activity of free enzyme. The IC₅₀ value of each compound was determined as follows. Following a 10 minute incubation of a dilute solution of enzyme (2.56 nM) and inhibitor (<0.64 mM), a 50 mL aliquot of this incubation mixture was then further diluted into 1 mL nitrocefin solution, and the rate of hydrolysis was measured during a 1 minute period by monitoring the absorbance of nitrocefin as a function of time. In addition, the IC₅₀ values of tazobactam were determined as relative controls. The data is presented in Table 1 below for representative compounds of the formulae I. TABLE 1 beta-Lactamase inhibitory activity against representative class A (TEM-1) and class C (P99) enzymes Compound TEM-1 (IC₅₀, μm) P99 (IC₅₀, μm)  7a 1.82 0.003  7b 0.791 0.0029  7c 1.28 0.0047  9a 1.065 0.059  9b 0.012 0.0217  9c 3.54 0.043  9d 9.14 0.038 11a 0.0076 0.0907 11b 0.0094 0.174 14a 1.84 0.011 14b 18.52 0.116 18a 0.240 0.824 18b 7.69 0.128 21a 0.39 1.1 21b 1.59 4.2 21c 0.053 6.34 tazobactam 0.25 101.6

[0098] The present β-lactamase inhibitors of formula (I) are particularly useful in the treatment of infections associated with Enterobacter, Citrobacter, and Serratia. These bacteria have the ability to attach to the epithelial cells of the bladder or kidney (causing urinary tract infections) and are resistant to multiple antibiotics including amoxicillin and ampicillin.

[0099] The present β-lactamase inhibitors of formula (I) are also be useful in the treatment of infections associated with highly resistant Pneumococci. Such diseases include otitis media, sinusitis, meningitis (both in children and adults), bacteremia, and septic arthritis. Resistant pneumococcal strains have surfaced in many parts of the world. For example, in Hungary, 58% of S. pneumoniae are resistant to penicillin, and 70% of children who are colonized with S. pneumoniae carry resistant strains that are also resistant to tetracycline, erythromycin, trimethoprin/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX), and 30% resistant to chloramphenicol. Klebsiella pneumoniae (resistant via the production of β-lactamase) have caused hospital outbreaks of wound infection and septicemia.

[0100] Other features of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following descriptions of exemplary embodiments which are given for illustration of the invention and are not intended to be limiting thereof.

EXAMPLES 1-3 (FIG. 1)

[0101] Preparation of Compound 2

[0102] Diphenylmethyl 7-phenylacetamido-3-(trifluorosulfonyloxy)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (2)

[0103] This compound and the subsequent halides were prepared according to the method of Farina (Farina et. al. J. Org. Chem. 54, 4962-4966 (1989)). A solution of benzhydryl 3-hydroxy-7-(phenylacetamido)ceph-3-em (1, 41 g, 84 mmol, commercially available from Otsuka Chemical Corp.) in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ (600 mL) was cooled to 78° C. and treated with dry diisopropylethylamine (15.6 mL, 90 mmol) and trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride (14.3 mL, 85 mmol). The mixture was then stirred at −78° C. for 20 min. The solution was then diluted with an addition 1 L of dry CH₂Cl₂ and the cooling bath was removed. The organic phase was washed with water (2×1 L) and brine (1×500 mL). Then it was dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated to afford the desired triflate (2) as an off-white amorphous powder. Yield=43.5 g (85%). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=3.42 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 3.70-3.63 (m, 2H), 3.75 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 5.03 (d, J=5 Hz, 1H), 5.91-5.87 (m, 1H), 6.02 (d, J=8.7 Hz, 1H), 6.98 (s, 1H), 7.51-7.24 (m, 15H).

[0104] Preparation of Compounds 3 a-3 c

[0105] General Procedure for the Synthesis of Diphenylmethyl 3-halo-7-(phenylacetamido)-3-cephem-4-carboxylates (3 a, 3 b, and 3 c)

[0106] To a solution of triflate 2 (10 mmol) in anhydrous THF (100 mL) was added fresh anhydrous LiX (25 mmol) and the reaction was allowed to stir under argon for 24 to 36 h while monitoring the progress by ¹H NMR. When the reaction was complete, water (200 mL) and EtOAc (200 mL) were added and the organic phase was washed with water (2×100 mL), followed by brine (1×100 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄. Evaporation of the solvent produced the crude 3-halo-3-cephem-4-carboxylate ester which was further purified by column chromatography on silica gel.

[0107] Diphenylmethyl 3-chloro-7-(phenylacetamido)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (3 a)

[0108] Yield=90%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=3.43 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 3.64-3.57 (m, 2H), 3.74 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 4.99 (d, J=5 Hz, 1H), 5.84-5.81 (m, 1H), 6.24 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 7.39 7.24 (m, 15H).

[0109] Diphenylmethyl 3-bromo-7-(phenylacetamido)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (3 b)

[0110] Yield=88%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=3.64-3.56 (m, 3H), 3.83 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 5.02 (d, J=5 Hz, 1H), 5.81-5.78 (m, 1H), 6.21 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 7.41-7.25 (m, 15H).

[0111] Diphenylmethyl 3-iodo-7-(phenylacetamido)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (3 c)

[0112] Yield=72%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=3.67-3.56 (m, 2H), 3.70 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 3.84 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 5.04 (d, J=5 Hz, 1H), 5.85-5.81 (m, 1H), 6.16 (d, J=9 Hz, 1H), 6.96 (s, 1H), 7.41-7.24 (m, 15H).

[0113] Preparation of Compounds 4 a-4 c

[0114] General Procedure for the Synthesis of Diphenylmethyl

[0115] 3-halo-7-amino-3-cephem-4-carboxylates (4 a, 4 b, and 4 c)

[0116] To a cooled (0° C.) solution of PCl₅ (25 mmol) in dry CH₂Cl₂ was added dry pyridine (25 mmol) slowly while cooling the reaction with an ice bath. The reaction was allowed to stir at this temperature for 1 h. The appropriate phenylacetamido-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (3 a, 3 b, or 3 c) was then added in one portion and the reaction allowed to continue stirring for 1.5 h at the same temperature. The reaction mixture was then cooled to −78° C. and MeOH (30 mL) was added slowly and the reaction stirred for an additional 1 h. The reaction mixture was then allowed to slowly warm to reach a temperature between 10 and 0° C. Water (30 mL) was then added and the solution was concentrated under vacuum to remove CH₂Cl₂ and most of the MeOH. To the remaining residue, EtOAc (150 mL) and water (100 mL) were added and the water layer was basified by the addition of NaHCO₃. The organic layer was then separated and the aqueous layer was further extracted with EtOAc (1×50 mL). The combined organic layer was washed with water (1×100 mL) followed by brine (1×100 mL). The organic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄ and concentrated under vacuum. The crude product was further purified by column chromatography using a mixture of EtOAc and CH₂Cl₂ as eluent.

[0117] Diphenylmethyl 3-chloro-7-amino-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (4 a)

[0118] Yield=74%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=1.74 (br s, 2H), 3.48 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 3.8 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 4.75 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H), 4.98 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (s, 1H), 7.57-7.26 (m, 10H).

[0119] Diphenylmethyl 3-bromo-7-amino-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (4 b)

[0120] Yield=72%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=1.74 (br s, 2H), 3.62 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 3.88 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 4.75 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H), 5.00 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (s, 1H), 7.44-7.25 (m, 10H).

[0121] Diphenylmethyl 3-iodo-7-amino-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (4 c)

[0122] Yield=76%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=1.75 (br s, 2H), 3.76 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 3.90 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 4.75 (d, J=5 Hz, 1H), 5.04 (d, J=5.0 Hz, 1H), 7.00 (s, 1H), 7.46-7.26 (m, 10H).

[0123] Preparation of Compounds 5 a-5 c

[0124] General Procedure for Synthesis of Diphenylmethyl 3-halo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidene)-3-cephem-4-carboxylates (5 a, 5 b, and 5 c) from Amines (4 a, 4 b, and 4 c)

[0125] To a solution of triphenyl(2-pyridylmethyl)phosphonium chloride hydrochloride (20 mmol, Aldrich Chemical Co.) in anhydrous THF (150 mL) was added potassium tert-butoxide (15 mmol). This slurry was then stirred at room temperature for 2 h to generate the Wittig Reagent.

[0126] Separately, to a solution of amine (4, 20 mmol) in EtOAc (200 mL) were added catalytic trifluoroacetic acid (200 μL) and isopropylnitrite (a solution 30 to 50% in CH₂Cl₂, prepared by the method of Blacklock et. al., J. Org. Chem., 54, 3907-3913 (1989)). After completion of the reaction (approx. 5 min, monitored by TLC), EtOAc was removed under vacuum and the resultant 7-diazo-3-cephem-4-carboxylates was dried completely under high vacuum. This diazo compound was then immediately dissolved in anhydrous benzene (200 mL) and propylene oxide (25 mL), and treated with a catalytic amount of rhodium octanoate (0.5 g). The reaction was observed to evolve gas. After the completion of such gas evolution, the benzene solvent was removed under vacuum and the remaining solid (7-oxo-3-cephem-4-carboxylate) dissolved in dry CH₂Cl₂ (200 mL). This solution was then cooled to −78° C.

[0127] The solution of the aforementioned Wittig Reagent was then slowly added (via cannula) to this cold (−78° C.) solution of ketone and the reaction stirred at this temperature for 30 min. Then a saturated aqueous solution of NH₄Cl was added and the reaction mixture slowly warmed to room temperature with stirring. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer extracted with an additional portion of CH₂Cl₂. The combined organic layers were washed with water (1×100 mL), brine (1×100 mL), and dried over Na₂SO₄. The crude product was purified by column chromatography (silica gel) using a mixture of EtOAc and CH₂Cl₂ as eluent.

[0128] Diphenylmethyl 3-chloro-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidene)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (5 a)

[0129] Overall yield (three steps from 4 a)=35%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=3.54 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 3.96 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 5.71 (s, 1H), 7.03 (s, 1H), 7.41-7.28 (m, 13H), 7.76 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.76 (d, J=4Hz, 1H).

[0130] Diphenylmethyl 3-bromo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidene)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (5 b)

[0131] Overall yield (three steps from 4 b)=35%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=3.59 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 3.95 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 5.73 (d, J=1 Hz, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.26 (m, 13H), 7.77 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.76 (d, J=4 Hz, 1H).

[0132] Diphenylmethyl 3-iodo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidene)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (5 c)

[0133] Overall yield (three steps from 4 a)=33%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=3.70 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 3.94 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 5.76 (s, 1H), 7.06 (s, 1H), 7.42-7.26 (m, 13H), 7.73 (t of d, J=1.6 and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.71 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H).

[0134] Preparation of Compounds 6 a-6 c

[0135] General Procedure for Formation of Diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-3-halo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidene)-3-cephem-4-carboxylates (6 a, 6 b, and 6 c) Using Oxidation with mCPBA

[0136] To a solution of sulfide (5) in CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL) was added mCPBA (2.5 mmol) and the reaction was stirred for 20 min at rt. A saturated aqueous solution of Na₂SO₃ was then added and the layers were separated. The organic layer was washed with aqueous NaHCO₃ (1×25 mL), water (1×25 mL), and brine (1×25 mL). The organic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄, concentrated and the crude product further purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel) using a mixture of EtOAc and CH₂Cl₂ as eluent.

[0137] Diphenylmethyl 3-chloro-1,1-dioxo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidene)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (6 a)

[0138] Yield=72%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=4.04 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 4.23 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 5.93 (s, 1H), 7.03 (s, 1H), 7.39-7.31 (m, 13H), 7.73 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.66 (d, J=4 Hz, 1H).

[0139] Diphenylmethyl 3-bromo-1,1-dioxo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidene)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (6 b)

[0140] Yield=75%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=4.10 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 4.34 (d of t, J=18 Hz, 1H), 5.95 (s, 1H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.3 (m, 13H), 7.73 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.67 (d, J=4 Hz, 1H).

[0141] Diphenylmethyl 3-iodo-1,1-dioxo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidene)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (6 c)

[0142] Yield=78%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=8.66 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (t of d, J=1.6 and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.49-7.25 (m, 13H), 7.03 (s, 1H), 5.96 (s, 1H), 4.38 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 4.18 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=160.3, 160.2, 150.4, 150.2, 138.9, 138.6, 137.0, 132.7, 130.9, 128.6, 128.5, 128.4, 128.2, 128.0, 127.5, 127.2, 126.6, 126.4, 125.3, 80.5, 74.1, 64.2. HRMS calcd for C₂₆H₁₉IN₂O₅S [M+H]⁺ 599.0138, obsd 599.0135.

[0143] Preparation of Compounds 7 a-7 c

[0144] General Procedure for the Deprotection of Benzhydryl Esters

[0145] A solution of the appropriate benzhydryl ester (0.1 mmol) in dry anisole (3.0 mmol) was cooled in an ice-salt bath and trifluoroacetic acid (12.0 mmol) was added slowly via syringe under argon atmosphere. After 20 minutes, the volatile components were removed under vacuum and the residue was dissolved in EtOAc (5 mL). The EtOAc layer was extracted with aqueous NaHCO₃ (2×0.15 mmol in 4 mL H₂O). The combined water layers were directly loaded onto a chromatography column (high porous polymer, MCI gel, CHP20P Mitsubishi Chemical Corp., White Plains N.Y., approx. 75 to 150 mL of resin) and the product eluted with 5% EtOH in deionized water. The yield was typically between 60 to 80%.

Example 1 Sodium 3-chloro-1,1-dioxo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (7 a)

[0146] Prepared from ester 7a according to the general procedure described above for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=6.28 (s, 1H), 7.44-7.34 (m, 1H), 7.48 (s, 1H), 7.62-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.84 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.55 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H).

Example 2 Sodium 3 -bromo-1,1-dioxo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3 -cephem-4-carboxylate (7 b)

[0147] Prepared from ester 7 b according to the general procedure described above for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=6.29 (s, 1H), 7.45-7.35 (m, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.6-7.57 (m, 1H), 7.85 (t of d, J=1.6 and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.56 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H).

Example 3 Sodium 1,1-dioxo-3-iodo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (7 c)

[0148] Prepared from ester 7 c according to the general procedure described above for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=6.29 (d, J=1Hz, 1H), 7.33-7.30 (m, 1H), 7.45 (d, J=1Hz, 1H), 7.65-7.61 (m, 1H), 7.83 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.54 (d, J=4.0Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLES 4-7 (FIG. 2) Preparation of Compounds 8 a-8 d General Procedure for the Stille Couplings of Iodide 6 c with Organostannanes to Produce Compounds 8 a-8 d

[0149] To a solution of 6 c (72 mg, 0.12 mmol) in anhydrous THF were added the appropriate organostannane (0.11 mmol, e.g., Bu₃Sn—R₃) and Pd₂(dba)₃ (5 mg, 0.011 mmol) under an Ar atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred at 65° C. for 2.5 h and was monitored by ¹H NMR. After completion of the reaction, solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the product dissolved in CH₂Cl₂. The solution was then washed with water (10 mL) and brine (10 mL). The organic layer was concentrated and purified by column chromatography (silica gel).

[0150] Diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-3-methylsulfanyl-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (8 a)

[0151] Yield=67%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=2.35 (s, 3H), 3.98 (d, J=15.5 Hz, 1H), 4.18 (d, J=15.5 Hz, 1H), 5.72 (d, J=1Hz, 1H), 6.97 (s, 1H), 7.4-7.26 (m, 13H), 7.71 (t of d, J=1.6 and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.66 (d, J=4 Hz, 1H).

[0152] Diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-3-phenylsulfanyl-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (8 b)

[0153] Yield=72%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=8.63 (d, J=3.9 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (t of d, J=1.6 and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.53-7.26 (m, 19H), 7.02 (s, 1H), 5.75 (s, 1H), 3.75 (d, J=15.6 Hz, 1H), 3.59 (d, J=15.6 Hz, 1H).

[0154] Diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-(thiophen-2′-yl)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (8 c)

[0155] Yield=78%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=8.69 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (t of d, J=1.6 and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.4-7.21 (m, 12H), 7.07-7.05 (m, 2H), 6.96 (s, 1H), 6.84 (dd, J=1 and 4 Hz, 1H), 6.75 (t, J=4 Hz, 1H), 5.96 (s, 1H), 4.17 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 4.08 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H).

[0156] Diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-3-phenyl-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (8 d)

[0157] Yield=56%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=8.65 (d, J=3.9 Hz, 1H), 7.7 (t of d, J=1.6 and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.34-7.13 (m, 16H), 6.92 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 2H), 6.85 (s, 1H), 5.98 (s, 1H), 4.08 (s, 2H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=160.8, 159.2, 150.2, 150.0, 138.6, 138.1, 136.5, 134.9, 132.8, 129.9, 128.9, 128.5, 128.09, 127.9, 127.7, 127.5, 127.2, 127.0, 126.9, 125.9, 124.7, 79.0, 73.0, 56.7.

[0158] Preparation of Compounds 9 a-9 d

[0159] Compounds 9 a-9 d were Prepared from Compounds 8 a-8 d Using the General Procedure for the Deprotection of Benzhydryl Esters Described Above

Example 4 Sodium 1,1-dioxo-3-methylsulfanyl-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (9 a)

[0160] Prepared from ester 8 a according to the general procedure described above for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=2.2 (s, 3H), 6.17 (s, 1H), 7.42-7.36 (m, 2H), 7.43 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.58 (m, 1H), 7.81 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.52 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H).

Example 5 Sodium 1,1-dioxo-3-phenylsulfanyl-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (9 b)

[0161] Prepared from ester 8 b according to the general procedure described above for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=6.32 (d, J=1 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.33 (m, 6H), 7.46 (s, 1H), 7.6-7.58 (m, 1H), 7.81 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.51 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H).

Example 6 Sodium 1,1 -dioxo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-(thiophen-2′-yl)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (9 c)

[0162] Prepared from ester 8 c according to the general procedure described above for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=6.23 (s, 1H), 7.03-7.00 (m, 1H), 7.1 (d, J=4 Hz, 1H), 7.42-7.4 (m, 2H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.61 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 1H), 7.83 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.54 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H).

Example 7 Sodium 1,1-dioxo-3-phenyl-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (9 d)

[0163] Prepared from ester 8 d according to the general procedure described above for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ6.24 (s, 1H), 7.39-7.28 (m, 6H), 7.45 (s, 1H), 7.62-7.60 (m, 1H), 7.82 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.54 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLES 8 and 9 (FIG. 3)

[0164] Preparation of Compounds 10 a and 10 b

[0165] General Procedure for Oxidation of the 3-Position Sulfur of Compounds 8 a and 8 b to Produce the Corresponding 3-Position Sulfones (10 a and 10 b)

[0166] To a solution of sulfide (8 a or 8 b, 0.1 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) was added mCPBA (0.4 mmol) and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature until the reaction was complete (monitored by TLC, approx. 8 h). The reaction was then quenched by the addition of a saturated solution of NaHSO₃. The layers were separated and the aqueous layer extracted with an addition portion of CH₂Cl₂ (1×20 mL). The combined organic layers were washed with NaHCO₃ (1×20 mL), water (1×20 mL), and brine (1×20 mL). The organic layer was then dried over Na₂SO₄, concentrated under vacuum, and purified by flash chromatography (silica gel).

[0167] Diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-3-methylsulfonyl-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (10 a)

[0168] Yield=81%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=2.81 (s, 3H), 3.84 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 4.34 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 6.08 (s, 1H), 7.03 (s, 1H), 7.43-7.3 (m, 13H), 7.74 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.69 (d, J=4 Hz, 1H).

[0169] Diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-3-phenylsulfonyl-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (10 b)

[0170] Yield=75%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=3.48 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 4.16 (d, J=18 Hz, 1H), 5.94 (s, 1H), 7.05 (s, 1H), 7.44-7.19 (m, 17H), 7.75-7.71 (m, 2H), 8.61 (d, J=4 Hz, 1H).

[0171] Preparation of Compounds 11 a and 11 b

[0172] Compounds 11 a and 11 b were Prepared from Compounds 10 a and 10 b using the General Procedure for the Deprotection of Benzhydryl Esters Described Above

Example 8 Sodium 1,1-dioxo-3-methylsulfonyl-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (11 a)

[0173] Prepared from ester 10 a according to the general procedure described above for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=3.2 (s, 3H), 4.53 (d, J=17.6 Hz, 1H), 4.32 (d, J=17.6 Hz, 1H), 6.41 (s, 1H), 7.49-7.40(m, 1H), 7.66-7.58 (m, 2H), 7.86 (t of d, J=1.6 and 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.60 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H).

Example 9 Sodium 1,1 -dioxo-3-phenylsulfonyl-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (11 b)

[0174] Prepared from ester 10 b according to the general procedure described above for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=6.33 (s, 1H), 7.40-7.39 (m, 1H), 7.62-7.54 (m, 6H), 7.71 (m, 1H), 7.83 (t of d, J=1.6 and 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.55 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLES 10 and 11 (FIG. 4)

[0175] Preparation of Compounds 12

[0176] Diphenylmethyl 1,1 -dioxo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-(trimethylstannyl)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (12)

[0177] To a solution of 6 c (1.0 g, 1.71 mmol) in dry THF was added hexamethylditin (0.67 g, 2.0 mmol), Pd₂(dba)₃ (175 mg, 0.2 mmol) under an Ar atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred at 60° C. for 1.5 h, while monitoring by ¹H NMR. After completion of the reaction, solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The product was then dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ and washed with water (50 mL) and brine (30 mL). The organic layer was dried (Na₂SO₄), concentrated under reduced pressure, and purified by flash chromatography using EtOAc/ CH₂Cl₂ as eluent to obtain a 60% yield of 13. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ=8.66 (d, J=3.9 Hz, 1H), 7.72 (t of d, J=1.6 and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.54 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 7.43 to 7.26 (m, 11H), 6.92 (s, 1H), 5.88 (s, 1H), 4.07 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 3.93 (d, J=18.5 Hz, 1H), 0.15 (s, 9H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ162.6, 158.4, 150.8, 150.3, 142.1, 139.6, 139.2, 136.8, 133.9, 130.6, 129.8, 128.6, 128.4, 128.2, 127.9, 127.5, 127.1, 126.0, 124.9, 80.3, 73.1, 57.6, −6.6. HRMS calcd for C₂₉H₂₉N₂O₅SSn [M+H]⁺ 637.0819, obsd 637.0823.

[0178] Preparation of Compounds 13 a and 13 b

[0179] Reaction of 12 with XeF₂: Synthesis of diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-3-fluoro-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (13 a) and diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (13 b)

[0180] To a solution of stannane 12 (0.1 mmol) in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂was added AgOTf (0.11 mmol) and the reaction mixture was cooled in an ice-salt bath under argon. XeF₂ (0.11 mmol) was then added in one portion and the reaction stirred for 10 min. At this time, water was added, the layers separated. The aqueous layer was extracted with an additional portion of CH₂Cl₂ (1×25 mL), and the combined organic layers were washed with water (1×25 mL) and brine (1×25 mL) and dried over Na₂SO₄. After the solvent was removed under vacuum, the products were purified by flash chromatography on silica gel.

[0181] Diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-3-fluoro-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (13 a)

[0182]¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=8.65 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.71 (t of d, J=1.5 and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.47-7.27 (m, 13H), 7.04 (s, 1H), 5.84 (s, 1H), 4.23 (d of d, J=5.4 and 20 Hz, 1H), 4.08 (d of d, J=5.4 and 20 Hz, 1H).

[0183] Diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (13 b) ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz) δ=8.66 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H), 7.76 (t of d, J=1.5 and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 7.48-7.25 (m, 13H), 6.99 (s, 1H), 6.34 (d of d, J=3.5 and 2.0 Hz), 5.94 (s, 1H), 4.04 (d of d, 1.5 and 17.5 Hz, 1H), 3.83 (d of d, J=5.6 and 17.5 Hz, 1H). HRMS calcd for C₂₆H₂₁N₂O₅S [M+H]⁺ 473.1171, obsd 473.1148.

[0184] Preparation of Compounds 14 a and 14 b

[0185] Compounds 14 a and 14 b were Prepared From Compounds 13 a and 13 b Using the General Procedure for the Deprotection of Benzhydryl Esters Described Above

Example 10 Sodium 1,1-dioxo-3-fluoro-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (14 a)

[0186] Prepared from ester 13 a according to the general procedure described above for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=6.19 (s, 1H), 7.46-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.58-7.55 (m, 1H), 7.8 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.52 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H).

Example 11 Sodium 1,1-dioxo-7-(2 ′-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (14 b)

[0187] Prepared from ester 13 b according to the general procedure described above for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters. ¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=6.21 (s, 1H), 7.38-7.35 (m, 1H), 7.43 (s, 1H), 7.61-7.59 (m, 1H), 7.81 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.6 Hz, 1H), 8.51 (d, J=4.0 Hz, 1H).

EXAMPLES 12-16 (FIGS. 5 and 6)

[0188] Preparation of Compounds 16 a, 16 b, and 20 a-20 c

[0189] General procedure for the formation of amides from carboxylic acids (Schemes 5 and 6). The following procedure was used to prepare compound 16 a and 16 b from compound 15 and was also used to prepare compounds 20 a, 20 b and 20 c from compound 19.

[0190] To a solution of the carboxylic acid (0.3 mmol) in dry CH₃CN (10 mL) was added Et3N (0.6 mmol), the appropriate amine, RNH2 (0.45 mmol), and BOP reagent (0.3 mmol) at room temperature. The reaction was monitored by TLC and was usually complete in 30 min. CH₃CN was then removed under vacuum. To the residue was added CH₂Cl₂ (25 mL) and water (25 mL). After separation of the layers, the aqueous layer was extracted a second time with CH₂Cl₂ (25 mL) and the combined organic layers were washed with water (10 mL) followed by brine (25 mL). These organic layers were then dried over Na₂SO₄, concentrated under vacuum, and purified by column chromatography. The yields of these coupling reactions were typically 50 to 70%.

[0191] Preparation of Compounds 17 a, 17 b, and 19

[0192] General procedure used for the oxidation of sulfides 16 a and 16 b to the corresponding sulfones 17 a and 17 b as well as for the oxidation of sulfide 15 to sulfone 19.

[0193] This procedure is identical to the general procedure for formation of diphenylmethyl 1,1-dioxo-3-halo-7-(2′-pyridylmethylidene)-3-cephem-4-carboxylates (6 a, 6 b, and 6 c) using oxidation with mCPBA which is described above.

[0194] Preparation of Compounds 18 a, 18 b, and 21 a-21 c

[0195] General Procedure for the Deprotection of the Benzhydryl Esters (17 a, 17 b, 20 a, 20 b, and 20 c) to Produce the Corresponding Carboxylic Acid Salts (18 a, 18 b, 21 a, 21 b, and 21 c, Respectively).

[0196] This procedure is identical to the General Procedure for the deprotection of benzhydryl esters described above.

Example 12 Sodium 3-(N-cyclopropyl-2 ′-carbamoylvinyl)-1,1-dioxo-7-2″-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (18 a)

[0197]¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=0.56-0.52 (m, 2H), 0.8 -0.75 (m, 2H), 2.68-2.65 (m, 1H), 4.26 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 4.39 (d, J=17.5 Hz, 1H), 5.95 (d, J=15.5 Hz, 1H), 6.38 (s, 1H), 7.5-7.45 (m, 2H), 7.57 (s, 1H), 7.69 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.9 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.63 (d, J=4 Hz, 1H).

Example 13 Sodium 3 -(N-hydroxy-2 ′-carbamoylvinyl)-1,1-dioxo-7-(2″-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (18 b)

[0198]¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=5.88 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H), 6.33 (s, 1H), 7.33 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H), 7.45-7.41 (m, 1H), 7.49 (s, 1H), 7.65 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.6 (d, J=4Hz, 1H).

Example 14 Sodium 3-[2′-(hydrazinocarbonyl)vinyl)]-1,1-dioxo-7-(2″-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (21 a)

[0199]¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=5.92 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H), 6.25 (s, 1H), 7.68-7.43 (m, 3H), 7.67 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.88 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.61 (d, J=4 Hz, 1H).

Example 15 Sodium 3-{[N-(3″-aminopropyl)-2′-carbamoyl]vinyl)}-1,1-dioxo-7-(2′″-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (21 b)

[0200]¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=1.87 (q, J=7 Hz, 2H), 2.96 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 1H), 3.31 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 1H), 5.98 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H), 6.33 (s, 1H), 7.48-7.40 (m, 2H), 7.52 (s, 1H), 7.64 (d, J=8 Hz, 1H), 7.85 (t of d, J=1.6Hz and 7.7Hz, 1H), 8.58 (d, J=4Hz, 1H).

Example 16 Sodium 3-[3 ′-(4″-methylpiperazin-1″-yl)-3′-oxopropenyl]-1,1-dioxo-7-(2′″-pyridylmethylidine)-3-cephem-4-carboxylate (21 c)

[0201]¹H NMR (D₂O, 400 MHz) δ=2.19 (s, 3H), 2.46-2.42 (m, 4H), 3.8-3.76 (m, 4H), 6.37 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H), 6.43 (s, 1H), 7.51-7.4 (m, 3H), 7.53 (s, 1H), 7.66 (d, J=16 Hz, 1H), 7.86 (t of d, J=1.6 Hz and 7.7 Hz, 1H), 8.59 (d, J=4 Hz, 1H).

Example 17

[0202] The following illustrate representative pharmaceutical dosage forms, containing a compound of Formula (I) (‘Compound X’), for therapeutic or prophylactic use in humans. (i) Tablet 1 mg/tablet ‘Compound X’ 100.0 Lactose 77.5 Povidone 15.0 Croscarmellose sodium 12.0 Microcrystalline cellulose 92.5 Magnesium stearate 3.0 300.0 (ii) Tablet 2 mg/tablet ‘Compound X’ 20.0 Microcrystalline cellulose 410.0 Starch 50.0 Sodium starch glycolate 15.0 Magnesium stearate 5.0 500.0 (iii) Capsule mg/capsule ‘Compound X’ 10.0 Colloidal silicon dioxide 1.5 Lactose 465.5 Pregelatinized starch 120.0 Magnesium stearate 3.0 600.0 (iv) Injection 1 (1 mg/ml) mg/ml ‘Compound X’ (free acid form) 1.0 Dibasic sodium phosphate 12.0 Monobasic sodium phosphate 0.7 Sodium chloride 4.5 1.0 N Sodium hydroxide solution (pH adjustment to 7.0-7.5) q.s. Water for injection q.s. ad 1 mL (v) Injection 2 (10 mg/ml) mg/ml ‘Compound X’ (free acid form) 10.0 Monobasic sodium phosphate 0.3 Dibasic sodium phosphate 1.1 Polyethylene glycol 400 200.0 01 N Sodium hydroxide solution q.s. (pH adjustment to 7.0-7.5) Water for injection q.s. ad 1 mL (vi) Aerosol mg/can ‘Compound X’ 20.0 Oleic acid 10.0 Trichloromonofluoromethane 5,000.0 Dichlorodifluoromethane 10,000.0 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane 5,000.0 (vii) Tablet 1 mg/tablet ‘Compound X’ 100.0 β-lactam antibiotic 100.0 Lactose 77.5 Povidone 15.0 Croscarmellose sodium 12.0 Microcrystalline cellulose 92.5 Magnesium stearate 3.0 400.0 (viii) Tablet 2 mg/tablet ‘Compound X’ 20.0 β-lactam antibiotic 20.0 Microcrystalline cellulose 410.0 Starch 50.0 Sodium starch glycolate 15.0 Magnesium stearate 5.0 520.0 (ix) Capsule mg/capsule ‘Compound X’ 10.0 β-lactam antibiotic 10.0 Colloidal silicon dioxide 1.5 Lactose 465.5 Pregelatinized starch 120.0 Magnesium stearate 3.0 610.0 (x) Injection 1 mg/ml ‘Compound X’ (free acid form) 1.0 β-lactam antibiotic 2.0 Dibasic sodium phosphate 12.0 Monobasic sodium phosphate 0.7 Sodium chloride 4.5 1.0 N Sodium hydroxide solution q.s. (pH adjustment to 7.0-7.5) Water for injection q.s. ad 1 mL (xi) Injection 2 mg/ml ‘Compound X’ (free acid form) 10.0 β-lactam antibiotic 5.0 Monobasic sodium phosphate 0.3 Dibasic sodium phosphate 1.1 Polyethylene glycol 400 200.0 01 N Sodium hydroxide solution q.s. (pH adjustment to 7.0-7.5) Water for injection q.s. ad 1 mL (xii) Aerosol mg/can ‘Compound X’ 20.0 β-lactam antibiotic 20.0 Oleic acid 10.0 Trichloromonofluoromethane 5,000.0 Dichlorodifluoromethane 10,000.0 Dichlorotetrafluoroethane 5,000.0

[0203] The above formulations may be obtained by conventional procedures well known in the pharmaceutical art. “β-lactam antibiotic” can be any compound possessing antibiotic properties (e.g. amoxicillin, piperacillin, ampicillin, ceftizoxime, cefotaxime, cefuroxime, cephalexin, cefaclor, cephaloridine, or ceftazidime). Although specific quantities of “Compound X” and “β-lactam antibiotic” are shown in the above illustrative examples, it is to be understood that the compounds can be present in any ratio provided the final formulation possesses the desired antibiotic properties.

[0204] All publications, patents, and patent documents are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I):

wherein: R₁ and R₂ are each independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyloxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, heterocycle, halo, cyano, nitro, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(f)R_(g), or —S(O)_(n)R_(h); R₃ is hydrogen, halo, aryl, heteroaryl, —S(O)_(n)R_(h,), or —CH═CHC(═O)NR_(m)R_(p); R₄ is hydrogen; A is thio, sulfinyl, or sulfonyl; each n is independently 0, 1, or 2; each RW is independently hydrogen, or (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl; each R_(f) and R_(g) is independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, or —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g) wherein R_(f) and R_(g) form a ring optionally containing a nitrogen atom in the ring —NR_(e)—; each R_(h) is independently (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, or aryl; and R_(m) is hydrogen, and R_(p) is NH₂, OH, (C₂-C₁₀)cycloalkyl, or —(C₂-C₁₀)alkyl-NH₂; or R_(m) and R_(p) together with the nitrogen to which they are attached form a piperidine, morpholine, thiomorpholine, pyrrolidine, or piperazine ring, wherein the piperazine is substituted at the 4-position with hydrogen or a (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl; wherein any (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyloxy, or (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl of R₁or R₂ is optionally substituted with one or more, substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, cyanato, nitro, mercapto, oxo, aryl, heterocycle, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, halo(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, heterocycle(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, aryloxy, (heterocycle)oxy, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —NR_(h)R_(i), or —S(O)_(n)R_(k); and wherein any aryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, (C₁-C₆)alkoxycarbonyl,—COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(h)R_(i), or —S(O)_(n)R_(k); or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 2. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁ is aryl, heterocycle, or —COOR_(e).
 3. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₁ is 2-pyridyl, or —COOR_(e).
 4. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₂ is hydrogen.
 5. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is hydrogen.
 6. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is halo.
 7. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is fluoro.
 8. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is chloro.
 9. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is bromo.
 10. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is iodo.
 11. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is aryl.
 12. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is phenyl
 13. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is heteroaryl.
 14. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is 2-thienyl.
 15. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is S(O)_(n)R_(h,).
 16. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is S(O)₂R_(h,).
 17. The compound of claim 16 wherein R_(h) is methyl or phenyl.
 18. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is SR_(h,).
 19. The compound of claim 18 wherein R_(h) is methyl or phenyl.
 20. The compound of claim 1 wherein R₃ is hydrogen, halo, aryl, heteroaryl, or —S(O)_(n)R_(h,).
 21. The compound of claim 1 wherein A is sulfonyl.
 22. The compound of claim 1 wherein A is sulfonyl; R₁ is 2-pyridyl, carboxy or tert-butoxy carbonyl; R₂ is hydrogen; and R₃ is hydrogen, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, —SPh, —SO₂Ph, —SMe, —SO₂Me, or thiophene-2-yl; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt.
 23. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of claim 1; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 24. The composition of claim 23 further comprising a β-lactam antibiotic.
 25. A method comprising inhibiting a β-lactamase by contacting said β-lactamase with an effective amount of a compound of claim
 1. 26. A therapeutic method comprising inhibiting a β-lactamase in a mammal in need of such therapy, by administering an effective inhibitory amount of a compound of claim
 1. 27. A therapeutic method comprising enhancing the activity of a β-lactam antibiotic, by administering the β-lactam antibiotic to a mammal in need thereof, in combination with an effective β-lactamase inhibiting amount of a compound of claim
 1. 28. A therapeutic method comprising treating a β-lactam resistant bacterial infection in a mammal, by administering to the mammal an effective amount of a β-lactam antibiotic, in combination with an effective β-lactamase inhibiting amount of a compound of claim
 1. 29. A compound of formula (I):

wherein: R₁ and R₂ are each independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyloxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycle, halo, cyano, nitro, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(f)R_(g), or —S(O)_(n)R_(h); R₃ is —Sn(R)₃ wherein each R is (C₁-C₆)alkyl; R₄ is hydrogen or a protecting group; A is thio, sulfinyl, or sulfonyl; each n is independently 0, 1, or 2; each R_(e) is independently hydrogen, or (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl; each R_(f) and R_(g) is independently hydrogen, (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, phenyl, benzyl, phenethyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, or —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g) wherein R_(f) and R_(g) form a ring optionally containing a nitrogen atom in the ring —NR_(e)—; each R_(h) is independently (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, or aryl; wherein any (C₁-C₁₀)alkyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkenyl, (C₂-C₁₀)alkynyl, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxy, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₁₀)alkanoyloxy, or (C₁-C₁₀)alkoxycarbonyl of R₁ or R₂ is optionally substituted with one or more, substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, cyanato, nitro, mercapto, oxo, aryl, heterocycle, (C₂-C₆)alkenyl, (C₂-C₆)alkynyl, (C₁-C₆)alkoxy, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, aryl(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, halo(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, heterocycle(C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, aryloxy, (heterocycle)oxy, (C₃-C₈)cycloalkyl, —COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —NR_(h)R_(i), or —S(O)_(n)R_(k); and wherein any aryl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents independently selected from halo, hydroxy, cyano, trifluoromethyl, nitro, trifluoromethoxy, (C₁-C₆)alkyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyl, (C₁-C₆)alkanoyloxy, (C₁-C₆)alkoxycarbonyl,—COOR_(e), —C(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), —OC(═O)NR_(f)R_(g), NR_(h)R_(i), or —S(O)_(n)R_(k); 